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Analytical Chemist, Environmental Chemist, Organic Chemist, Physical Chemist, Physical Scientist, Polymer Chemist, Research Scientist, Biochemist
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Duties and responsibilities vary a lot. In general, chemists:
Chemists also work outside of a laboratory setting. They:
Technological advances have changed traditional chemistry. For example, chemists now use complex computerized instruments and robots. Chemists play an important role in other fields such as:
Many chemists work regular hours in office and lab settings. However, non-traditional hours outside of the 9 am to 5 pm work schedule are becoming more common.
Chemists may do some work in chemical plants or outdoors. Large testing labs may include prototype chemical manufacturing facilities.
Chemists must take safety measures to avoid illness or injury when handling hazardous materials.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in synthesizing information to conduct research to develop new chemical formulations and processes and to devise new technical applications of industrial chemicals and compounds; and to investigate chemical aspects of the mechanisms of drug action, the diagnosis and treatment of disease, organ function and the assessment of health
Interest in precision working with instruments to analyze, synthesize, purify, modify and characterize chemical and biochemical compounds
Interest in consulting in a particular field of technical expertise; and in developing and conducting programs of analysis to ensure quality control of raw materials, chemical intermediates and final products; may supervise other chemists and chemical technicians and technologists
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Chemists need:
They should enjoy:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 58 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Oct 27, 2021 and Nov 14, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Health benefits: Health care plan | 46 |
|---|---|
| Other benefits: Free parking available | 41 |
| Tasks: Analyze, synthesize, purify, modify and characterize chemical or biochemical compounds | 40 |
| Specializations in Chemistry: Synthetic | 37 |
| Health benefits: Dental plan | 37 |
| Financial benefits: Bonus | 36 |
| Attention to detail | 32 |
| Work Setting: Urban area | 32 |
| Health benefits: Vision care benefits | 32 |
| Tasks: Conduct research into the synthesis and properties of chemical compounds and the mechanisms of chemical reactions | 32 |
Many chemists begin their post-secondary education by taking a 4-year Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in chemistry. They then go on to a master’s (M.Sc.) or doctoral (PhD) degree.
In general, the entrance requirement for a master’s degree program in chemistry is an acceptable average in a 4-year B.Sc. degree program in chemistry or equivalent. If you wish to do research, teach at a post-secondary level, become a project coordinator, or advance to director, you may need a PhD.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
The Canadian Society for Chemistry (CSC) offers national accreditation for chemistry education programs. CSC accreditation ensures that a program meets national standards of education and that its graduates’ qualifications are nationally transferable. For more information about accreditation of post-secondary programs in chemistry, and for a list of nationally accredited programs in Alberta, see the CSC website.
Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.
The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.
Chemists conduct research, develop new or improved products and processes, and test and evaluate the composition, quality and safety of materials used by industry and the public.
Professional Chemist is a protected title under Alberta's Professional and Occupational Associations Registration Act. This means that to call yourself a Professional Chemist, you must be a registered member of the Association of the Chemical Profession of Alberta (ACPA). You do not have to be registered if you do not call yourself a Professional Chemist.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Chemist.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Chemists work in almost every industry. Most chemists work in small labs in:
Experienced chemists may advance to senior management positions. This generally requires a post-graduate degree. They can also start their own consulting and service businesses.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Chemists
2016 NOC: 2112
79.4% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Chemists’ salaries can vary a lot from one industry to the next.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
Lower Reliability, represents a CV of between 15.01% and 33.00% and/or if fewer than 20 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 33% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $16.83 | $55.11 | $35.63 | $40.87 |
| Overall | $26.44 | $79.60 | $52.00 | $62.50 |
| Top | $38.46 | $97.97 | $72.97 | $76.92 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $104,560 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing | $125,907 |
| Public Administration | $98,973 |
American Chemical Society (ACS) website: www.acs.org
Association of the Chemical Profession of Alberta (ACPA) website: www.pchem.ca
Chemical Institute of Canada (CIC) website: www.cheminst.ca
CIC Calgary Section website: www.facebook.com/CalgaryCIC
CIC Edmonton Section website: cicedmonton.org
International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry website: iupac.org
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2022. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
